Tony Romo had back surgery to remove a small cyst, but hopes to be at training camp in June. (MCT via Getty Images)

At the end of the 2013 regular season, Dallas starting quarterback Tony Romo suffered a back injury that forced him to miss the final must-win game, which the Cowboys proceeded to lose, causing them to miss the playoffs.

Romo had back surgery to repair the issue and seems to be coming along well in his recovery, but former Cowboys quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman is worried about just how healthy Romo is and what longterm damage he may do by returning to the field.

Aikman, who retired at 34 which is the same age Romo will be heading into the season, said that back problems were a big part of why he had to hang up his cleats and he hopes that Romo and the Cowboys proceed with caution.

“I came back in a relatively short period of time because of when I had my surgery, so he’s at least afforded more time to get ready,” Aikman said on the Cowboys official website.

“But having said that, two back surgeries in less than a year at his age, I would be a bit concerned. I’m hopeful that he’s able to come back -- everybody is. This team won’t be the same if he’s not able to. I anticipate that he will come back. But to say that, ‘Hey, he’s ahead of schedule and everything’s going fine,’ I’m not sure how you can really measure that here in April.”

With Aikman speaking from first-hand experience, Romo would be wise to listen.